THIS AREA IS FOR COLLABORATION/SCRIPTING FOR ENGLISH 11B THE MACBETH SKIT. NB: KEEP IT BRIEF, GANG; OTHERWISE YOU'LL BE FOREVER FILMING! [10-15 MINUTES RECOMMENDED]
(unedited)
Act 1.
Scene 1.
Secretary1: When do we next meet?
Secretary2: when the company is over the scandal-
Secretary1: Where is the next meeting?
Secretary2: At Mr. Macbeth’s office
Secretary 3: We will meet with Mr. Macbeth there.
Secretary1: My husband is calling me, I need to go now
Secretary2 &3: Alright see you guys.
Scene 2.
Malcolm enters the room, with a bang
Mr Duncan: Where is that corporate lawyer we hired?
Malcolm: He is here father. I was at the trial where he spoke. He may have saved the case.
Door knocking
Malcolm: That’s him.
Mr. Duncan: Come in.
Lawyer enters
Mr. Duncan: Mr. Smith, do please tell me that the trial went well.
Lawyer: It was an utter victory sir. Goldman Sachs has been charged with market manipulation. They have already contacted me to come up with an out of court settlement, which will likely be around 3 billion dollars.
Mr. Duncan: Thank god!
Lawyer: That is not all sir, it turned out that Cawdor, the head of marketing department, had been embezzling funds and stealing our client informations. Goldman Sachs testified today that Cawdor was in fact working for their company. Mr. Cawdor will be serving at least two years behind bars.
Mr. Duncan: Cawdor…. I always trusted him. What a treachery. But this is all behind us now and I am glad that you were there to help uncover the truth and deliver justice.
Lawyer: No need to thank me sir, I merely did my job. At any rate, if it had not been for Mr. Macbeth’s testimony, it would have been impossible to win the case.
He stayed loyal to you throughout the whole trial even when we seemed to be losing.
Mr. Duncan: That man has proved himself worthy of being part of our banking firm. Not only is he intelligent, but also virtuous. Lawyer, go tell him that I have assigned his role to Cawdor’s previous position as the head of marketing department.
Lawyer: I shall do that on my way out sir.
Scene 3.
Secretary1: So what is it like being back working for the Bank of America again?
Secretary2: Ha, we barely had a week off.
Secretary1: Our work hour is almost over…. stop sulking. After one more hour, we will be out of here and have the weekend to rest more.
Secretary3: Well, did you hear? Macbeth is being promoted to the head of marketing department.
Secretary2: What a surprise. (sarcastic) Mr. Duncan always liked him.
Secretary1: Anything else we haven’t heard?
Secretary3: Well…..there is more to it.
Secretary2: They don’t keep it from us, come on!
Secretary3: Don’t tell anyone else this, but I was writing a will for Mr. Duncan and he is giving this company to Macbeth upon his death.
Secretary1: What?! But what about his sons?
Secretary2: Shhh, Macbeth and Banquo are coming.
Macbeth: Never have I had such a tiring yet joyous day in my life. Man, my whole day was spent at the court.
Banquo: Hey look, our secretaries are here!
Secretary 1: Hello, Mr. Banquo.
Secretary 2: Hello, Mr. Macbeth, our new head of marketing department
Macbeth: (laughs) What else is new?
Secretary 3: Well, you are going to be the owner of the company when Duncan dies!
Macbeth: (laughs more)
Banquo: What about me huh?
Secretary 1: Sorry sir, we are not fortunetellers.
Macbeth: (Laughs)Alright, you guys can go home early now! Have a great weekend!
Secretary 1&2&3: Yes Mr. Macbeth
Secretaries leave
Macbeth: You know, I am thinking of having a dinner at my place tonight.
Banquo: That is great. Are you inviting Mr. Duncan?
Macbeth: I am thinking of doing it, if he says yes, it would be an honor. Well, can you come?
Banquo: Yeah, sure.
Knocking
Banquo: Hey, isn’t that the lawyer our firm hired?
Macbeth: Yeah it is… COME IN !
Banquo: He looks like he’s got some good news.
Enter Laywer
Macbeth: Mr. Smith, congratulations on winning the case. You are a great lawyer!
Lawyer: (laughs) Mr. Macbeth, without your help, it would have been impossible. I told Mr. Duncan of your testimonies at the court. Without your help, winning this case would have been impossible.
Macbeth: I am part of this company; it is in my interest to help the company. I only did what was expected of me to do.
Lawyer: Well, Mr. Duncan was certainly pleased at hearing this news and wishes to give you thanks. He has also put you in charge of the marketing department.
Macbeth: Jesus Christ! (looks back at Banquo) Those secretaries weren’t joking?
But what about Mr. Cawdor? Did he leave the company.
Lawyer: After you left the court, Goldman-Sachs testified that Mr. Cawdor was working for their company. That man is no longer working for us.
Macbeth: Wow. Thank you very much for bothering to come to tell me this.
Lawyer: It is my pleasure
Macbeth: Uhm…..would you be so kind as to come to our a dinner at my place tonight? My wife and I will hold a party.
Lawyer: Thank you, I will come.
Macbeth: Well then I will see you…in an hour!
Lawyer: Yes, well then, until then, Mr. Macbeth. Oh, and Mr. Banquo, it was very good to see you.
Lawyer leaves
Banquo: Wow, so you are the head of marketing department- what an honor.
Macbeth: Yeah, I still can’t believe it.
Banquo: So the secretaries were not joking after all. Maybe it is true what they have said.
Macbeth: That I will be the owner after Mr. Duncan dies?
Banquo: There was a rumor amongst the secretaries that your name was on the will. But thinking about it, it makes sense now. Mr. Duncan trusts you much- more so than he trusts his sons.
Macbeth: I still cannot believe it. But his son, Malcolm, is the CEO! Why would he give me the whole company?
Banquo: Look, I have no idea. Act like you know nothing about it. Duncan is going to be furious if he finds out- it is all supposed to be secret.
Macbeth: Well, I’ve got to go home quick now and tell my wife of this.
Exit Macbeth
Banquo: Wait, Macbeth…don’t tell her. Jesus…
Exit Banquo
Scene 4.
At Lady Macbeth’s house
LM: (holding a phone) uh huh okay.
LM: (talking to herself) A marketing director - and even maybe an owner… This is great news. But my husband is too soft and loyal to realize the implications of this. It is a chance for our family to own one of the world’s greatest banking firm. We will become a billionaire and exert power over countries. But we must act fast. When Duncan finds that the contents of his will have been divulged, he may change his mind about giving Macbeth the ownership of the bank. I will see to it that Duncan does not change the content of the will.
Door Opens and Macbeth Enters
M: My love, Duncan is coming here, I just confirmed his arrival today. He has also asked if he could stay in our guest suite for tonight.
LM: Oh, the fate is on our side. He will never leave this house.
M: What do you mean?
LM: You know very well what this opportunity means. Baby you are an open book, I can see every thoughts racing in your mind. Just act normal to Duncan. We need him to relax.
M: We shall talk of this later.
Door opens; Duncan & Malcolm & Donalbain & Bodyguards steps in
Duncan: what a delightful house and a truly delightful pair of human beings that live within.
Lady Macbeth rushes in
Lady Macbeth: Mr. Duncan, what an honor it is to have you in my house. Please, come in, the food is almost ready.
Duncan: I am in no hurry. Would it be too much if I asked you if I could stay in your house for tonight? I have much to talk with my esteemed colleagues, and of course, your husband, Macbeth- whom we wish to see right away.
Lady Macbeth: (Leading Duncan) Macbeth has already told me of this, you are welcome to stay in our house through the night. And oh, Mr. Duncan, my husband and Banquo are waiting for you at the living room to your right.
Scene 5.
Macbeth in a room, pensive.
Macbeth: My wife knows the very thoughts I have been dreading to speak about myself. I cannot utter the words, of the fear that it may precipitate violence. If it be true that my name is on the will, then why should I do anything? He is old- he may die soon. Duncan has always treated me with respect and is admired by many for his work ethics. He is honest and wise. His guidance lead our company to where it is; his death will be its downfall. So why should I act rashly?
Lady Macbeth enters
LM: You have been gone for a thirty minutes. I knew you would be here.
Macbeth: Do not speak to me, I have decided already that I will not do it.
LM: You are an ignorant coward. Do you realize what is at stake here? Your future, Our future and the future of our children is at stake here. To own this banking firm is to guarantee our success for posterity. If you do not realize what needs to be done, you are mad. We must kill Duncan tonight to secure that will.
M: It was just a gossip. We cannot know this for sure!
LM: Do not make excuses. You know it is damn well true. Those secretaries know what they saw and they were not joking about it. Christ, Macbeth, do you not see? This is your chance to become something you can never become. Seize this opportunity.
M: What if we fail?
LM: We will not.
M: (Silence, paces about the room) Very well then.
Act 2
Scene 1.
Banquo talking at a hallway
Banquo: Yes, I will be staying over at Macbeth’s house. I know, it wasn’t planned, but Duncan is clearly in the right mood, and I don’t want to leave early. I will see you soon. Can I talk to Fleance or is he sleeping? Alright.
Hey buddy, how was your dinner? Well I won’t be home tonight, Fleance. Daddy is outside with his friends and Mr. Duncan. I will be home tomorrow. Okie, see you big boy.
Hangs up phone
Door opens; Macbeth walks out of room.
Banquo: Hey, Macbeth
M: Hey Banquo, I did not see you there.
Banquo: Sorry, I was just talking with my wife and kid…..So, I was thinking about what secretaries have said…
Macbeth: I don’t think about it anymore. Whatever is on that will is Duncan’s business. But when we do have time, let’s discuss it.
Banquo: Will do then. Good night.
Scene 2.
Macbeth sneaks into Duncan’s room.
Kills Duncan.
LM: I hope the sleeping pill in the guard’s drink was sufficient. Now that I think about it, I should have put more. Oh, my husband…. I hope he returns with the deed done quickly. I am weary that he may have failed. If only Duncan did not look like my father, I would have done it myself.
Macbeth comes in.
Macbeth: (Silent)
LM: Did you do it?
Macbeth: (Nods) Did you see a person from your room?
LM: none, I am sure of it.
Macbeth: Someone was whispering behind me when I came out of Duncan’s room.
LM: What did the person say?
Macbeth: “Macbeth shall sleep no more.”
LM: You are just delusional. What we did was wise. Now, go wash and change into proper clothes. We must prepare for tomorrow.
Scene 3.
Bell Ringing
Doorman: Wait sir, I am on my way. (opens door for Macduff and Lennox)
Macduff: I am here to see Mr. Duncan. I have tried calling them, but it seems to be that they are all asleep.
Doorman: Yes, we all drank much.
Macbeth enters.
Macduff: Macbeth, good morning, I am sorry I could not come to the party. I was busy doing additional work. Is Mr. Duncan still sleeping? I need to see him for some business.
Macbeth: Macduff, this early in the morning? I shall go and wake him.
Lennox: Do not bother with waking him up, we will do it- just tell Macduff where Duncan is sleeping at.
Macbeth: He is sleeping at the room far down the hall at the your right.
Macduff goes down the hall
Macduff: (muffled scream) Jesus Christ!
Lennox: What is the matter?
Macduff: Call the police right now. We have a murder in our hands. Wake up Everyone in the house right now. RIGHT NOW
Scene 4.
Police: When did you find the body?
Macduff: About at 6: 10, sir.
Police: Okay, very well, and where is the man who called the police?
Macbeth: I am the one.
Police: Where are those two men you said were found with a knife in their hands in front of the victim’s bedroom?
Macbeth: They are in the bedroom chamber- they seemed to be in a deep sleep.
Police: Very well, now please leave the area. A homicide squad is arriving soon and they need everyone to clear the area.
Lady Macbeth Rushes in
LM: what is going on? I heard noises and somebody said that Duncan has died…?Macbeth!
Macbeth: Honey, do not worry,
LM: is it true what they have said?
Macbeth: Yes, Duncan has been killed by someone.
LM: (faints)
Macbeth: Lennox, get somebody to look after her.
Lennox: Do not worry, I will take her to hospital.
Macbeth: Wait, let me go with you.
Everyone leaves but Malcolm and Donalbain.
Malcolm: There is a foul play here. Our father was murdered with a clear purpose in mind. Donalbain, we must get out of this place. Amongst these sobbing people is the killer.
Donalbain: You are right. I will go to Vancouver to my Uncle’s.
Malcolm: I have an acquaintance in London who can help with the criminal investigation; I must first visit there.
Donalbain: Let us go now.
Act 3
Scene 1.
At Banquo’s office
Banquo: You have it all now- you are the owner of the Bank of America. The will was found, and the contents were exactly as the secretaries have gossiped of. Macbeth, I feel that you have played foul to achieve this goal of yours.
Macbeth enters
Macbeth: Banquo, are you coming to the party tonight?
Banquo: (laughing politely) I will try. My son and I will be out to fishing. You know, it being a weekend and everything. I haven’t spend much time with my son lately. But I will try to be here. (laughing) congratulations again on being the new owner.
Macbeth: (laughs) Thank you, by the way, where are you fishing to?
Banquo: At the Lake Evans.
Macbeth: Well, that is a certainly a nice place. Have a great time.
Banquo: Thank you.
Attendant comes behind Macbeth
Attendant: Sir, there are men wanting to see you.
Macbeth: Who?
Attendant: ….Mr…..Kimball and Mr. Harris.
Macbeth: Very well, bring them into my office.
Macbeth enters his office and sits down; He takes out some pills- drinks them with water;
Door opens second later.
Macbeth: Please, sit down.
First Murderer: You wanted to see us today Mr. Macbeth?
Macbeth: Have you considered the deal I proposed last time we met?
Second Murderer: Well...
Silence- as two murderers discuss the deal.
Macbeth: Are you a man? Are you so weak that you cannot even take your chance at life? I am in need of your service. Banquo’s testimony at the trial of Duncan’s murder can prove too much. For there are too many evidences against my side already, we cannot afford to let this happen. As I have said, as this is valuable to me, you must kill Banquo. I have a million dollars in cash ready inside that briefcase right there. It is your decision.
Second Murderer: We will do it.
Macbeth: Very well. These are his pictures- and he is going fishing with his son somewhere around here (points at a printed map).
First Murderer: What do we do with the son?
Macbeth: There is to be no witnesses. Dispatch them both.
First Murderer: (nods)
Macbeth: Are there any questions? (stands up) I will expect the job to be done properly. There is no room for failure here.
Scene 2.
LM: Is Banquo gone?
Macbeth: Yes, he is gone. But he will return for tonight’s dinner, I presume. (sigh and moan)
LM: Honey, are you alright? You don’t seem to be sleeping much these days?
M: It’s just…my work.
LM: No, I know it is not that…how is the court case going?
M: I should have known. When we killed Duncan- that was the beginning. We have just merely scorched the snake, not killed it. Duncan laughs at me from his grave. There is no end to this until the trial is over and I am acquitted. Until then, I can feel no pleasure at current situation. (silence)
Banquo……banquo…. He worries me. He is a significant threat to our plan. When he testifies, he can prove to the court that I had prior knowledge of the will’s content. This would make me look guilty. We cannot allow him to speak.
LM: What will you do about it?
Macbeth: I don’t know.
Scene 3.
2nd Murderer: That seems to be him (pointing at Banquo)
Man comes behind them. (3rd murderer)
3rd Murderer: Your client was worried that two people were insufficient for the job.
2nd Murderer: (points a gun at him) You getting our share of money?
1st Murderer: shut the hell up, if he is with us, and then we can discuss that later. Banquo is moving out.
Banquo: It’s getting rather dark so soon.
Fleance: Dad, I think we should go now.
Banquo: Okay, you are right buddy, lets go home.
Gunshot rings.
Banquo: Run Fleance, Run!
Banquo dies, Fleance escapes.
Scene 4
Party. People are eating
Macbeth: Ladies and Gentleman, as your new owner of this esteemed bank firm, I am pleased to host the 85th annual Bank of America Banquet. Before the festivities, I would like to have a moment of silence to honor the late Mr. Duncan, whom we very much miss. (silence) Tonight, we are also sad to say that our new vice-president, Mr. Banquo, is not present. Ladies and gentlemen, let us toast to the well being of this company.
All toast
Third Murderer enters and Macbeth approaches him
Macbeth: Is the deed done? (while walking)
3rd Murderer: We shot thirty rounds into Banquo. He is dead.
Macbeth: What of the other hitmen? Have you dealt with them as well?
3rd Murderer: I have killed them as well. Rest assured, they will never speak. All of their bodies are dissolving in acid.
Macbeth: Good, last thing I needed would be to have to appear in court just because those fools couldn’t keep their mouth shut.
Enters a room, closes door behind.
Macbeth: Good…good, you are the best of the best. I forgot…. What of Fleance, his son? Is he dealt with?
3rd Murderer: He has escaped. It was too dark to track him properly. Sir, it is likely that he is dead…do not worry
Macbeth: God DAMN IT. This is what I have been fearing all this time. There are always loose ends. He is too important to let go. Why did you fail? Can’t you even shoot a damn nine year old in the head?
3rd Murderer: It was dark sir, and the kid was smaller and faster than we thought. Macbeth: (breathing heavily) No matter. He is a kid. There is no way he could survive tonight by himself in a forest. Well done then. Go, we shall speak later.
3rd Murderer exits; Enter Lady Macbeth
LM: Who was that?
Macbeth: Nobody important, some minor client we have. Why did you come here? I told you to keep out of my business.
LM: They are all waiting for you. You are the owner of the bank, so act like one. We should go now.
Macbeth: Okay, let’s go to the party then.
Macbeth and LM walks back. They enter the room.
Lawyer: Mr. Macbeth, congratulations. I remember last time we met, you have been promoted to director of marketing department- and now, you are the owner.
Macbeth: (laughs nervously) I had no idea you would be coming. Are you still hired by our company?
Lawyer: Yes, actually, I have been hired again to assist in the private investigation of Mr. Duncan’s murder. Mr. Duncan’s son has hired several investigators from London whom I have met just today.
Macbeth: That is….wonderful.
Lawyer: Would you care to sit down here? I would love to talk more.
Macbeth: (looks at the ghost of Banquo) The seat is occupied.
Lawyer: Mr. Macbeth, it is empty. Are you okay?
Banquo turns around
Macbeth: Which one of you has done this to me. Christ! Get that thing out of here!
Lawyer: Mr. Macbeth is unwell, someone, escort him to hospital. He seems to be hallucinating.
Macbeth: No, it can’t be. It is not real. It cannot be real.
LM: Everyone, please do sit down and enjoy the meal- my husband suffers such mental breakdowns quite frequently. It is all normal.
Macbeth: He is gone.
LM: You fool, he was merely a figment of your imagination. He was never there.
Macbeth: No. There he is again. There is blood dripping all over the floor. How can you all not see this happening! No get away from me!
Lawyer: Hey you, escort Mr. Macbeth to hospital right now. Mrs. Macbeth, he seems to be having a severe breakdown. You have said that it is normal for him to do this, but he is having a seizure. He needs medical attention now!
LM: I will go with him.
Scene 5.
At bed, Macbeth lies, and LM is smoothing his hair
Macbeth: What happened?
LM: Honey, why were you overdosing on my stress pills?
Macbeth: What?
LM: You were hallucinating and convulsing during the banquet. At the hospital, the doctors had to pump out the pills. They said you were malnourished and severely deprived of sleep. Honey, what is happening?
Macbeth: Its…me. It’s the company. It’s the world I live in. Nothing feels real anymore. All this- this house, this job and this life- it’s fake. If the investigation proves that I committed the murder, everything- this position and this life I have, will be demolished.
LM:We have a good lawyer. Don’t worry. They cannot prove anything.
Macbeth: Malcolm and Donalbain have already hired a whole troupe of investigators ready to blame the whole murder on me. How can you possibly say that.
LM: …..
Macbeth: Macduff did not show up at today’s banquet. From what I have gathered, Macduff is openly accusing me of the murder.
LM: What are you going to do about it?
Macbeth: Blood will have blood.
LM: What?
Macbeth: Never mind, let’s sleep now.
Scene 6.
Office setting
Lennox: So… have you seen the most recent investigative report on Duncan’s death? The blood test on the guards have found triple dose of sleeping pills. On top of that, they had quite a lot of alcohol in their system.
Worker: Yeah, and somehow Macbeth is still insisting that they were the culprits.
Lennox: (snickers) Macbeth erupted in rage today when I suggested during the break that it may have been someone else who murdered Duncan. My collegue, Brandon, when he suggested the same thing, Macbeth fired him at spot.
Worker: You think that’s the worst thing Macbeth did recently? The bank stocks dropped two percent since he became the owner. He has no administrative knowledge.
Lennox: We really need Malcolm to come and set things right.
Act 4
Scene 1.
Macbeth is in his office. He takes four pills and downs it with water. He squeezes his temples.
Secretary: Are you okay Mr. Macbeth?
Macbeth: Get the hell out of the room.
Secretary: …Yes, Mr. Macbeth.
Secretary leaves. Macbeth starts hallucinating.
First apparition: (whispering) Macbeth, Macbeth- beware of the Financing Director- Macduff. Beware him.
Second apparition: Be bold and strong for none of woman born shall get in your harms way.
Third apparition: Macbeth, do not fear- until the Birnam Wood comes to your house.
Macbeth: Christ, what happened?
Door opens, Lennox enters
Lennox: I heard the screams, Macbeth, are you alright?
Macbeth: ….Yes…
Lennox: Anyhow, did you hear? Macduff has gone to England to visit Malcolm.
Macbeth: What for?
Lennox: He appearantly has some great evidence which points to the real culprit of the Duncan’s murder and wishes to show it to Malcolm in person. That is what he said, at least.
Macbeth: That sonuvabitch. He has not shown up to work for two weeks.
Lennox: Are you going to fire him?
Macbeth: No, I am not going to fire him. I am going to make him regret.
Scene 2.
Lady Macduff’s house. She is on a phone.
Lady Macduff: So he went to England. Why did he do this?
Lawyer: He believes that there is great evidence that may aid in the ongoing investigation of Mr. Duncan’s death and wants to deliver it himself to Malcolm. But regretfully, this is sort of negligence to work that our company cannot condone. I called to tell you that Mr. Macbeth has fired Mr. Macduff from his position. I hope you can deliver this message to him.
Lady Macduff: Thank you very much.
Son: Who is it mom?
LMacduff: It was just your father’s friend.
Son: Why did he call you?
LMacduff: You father has been fired from his job. He seems to no longer care about his actions. Missing from work for two weeks? What was he doing all time?
Son: Dad’s a good guy.
LMacduff: Well, I am not sure of that anymore.
Harsh knocking on door.
Son: Someone is knocking!
LMacduff: I am coming.
Opens the door. 3rd Murderer shows up.
Gunshot rings.
Scene 3.
At Malcolm’s house
Malcolm: How is the company faring?
Macduff: Have you not heard yourself? It is absolutely miserable. People are being fired as if they were nothing. Everything your father did to improve the company is being torn down. Our stock has dropped two percent in two weeks.
Malcolm: I have heard. I just wanted to know your view on things. Why did you come to me personally?
Macduff: It concerns the recent evidences that the investigation uncovered. Macbeth is the murderer.
Malcolm: I know. I have received the evidence via email. My question is, why did you travel all the way to London?
Macduff: I cannot bear being in the same building as the very man who murdered Duncan in cold blood. Duncan was so gracious and generous towards him and Macbeth repaid by killing him. But I am here for something more; when Macbeth is convicted, he will no longer be suitable to run the company. You will be the CEO and the owner.
Malcolm: I don’t think I am ready for the position. Although I was a vice-president before, I am absolutely unqualified- even more than Macbeth.
Macduff: That is impossible. You are not a murderer; it is impossible to be worse than Macbeth.
Malcolm: I have a lousy personal life, Macduff. I am not married because I cannot be faithful to one woman. I lust after women all day long.
Macduff: That is not a problem. Lusting for women is something every men do.
Malcolm: (standing up) I don’t think you understand. I cannot run the company.
Macduff: If you cannot, then no one can.
Malcolm: Macduff, the loyal passion with which you support me give me faith. I was merely testing you. I know I am fully qualified to run the company and I must do so as soon as possible to stop Macbeth from driving my father’s company into the ground.
Macduff’s phone rings
Macduff: (talking on phone) Who is this? Lennox? What? What news? If it concerns me, then spit it out. I have no time.
No, No, No…… My wife? My…children too? How is this possible? What…. All of them? No…No….(drops phone)
Malcolm: (puts arm around Macduff) What is it? (picks up phone) Lennox? What has happened? No… okay, I will talk to you later. (hangs up) I am extremely sorry for your loss.
Macduff: It is Macbeth.
Malcolm: You cannot be sure of that.
Macduff: Who else can it be? I left him with the potential evidences that can destroy his life. He is threatening me. Well, he made a wrong move. I will kill that man.
Act 5
At Lady Macbeth’s room
Doctor: I have watched her for two nights. I don’t think she is suffering any sleeping disorder. Although she does take irregular dose of medications, it does not seem to be affecting her very much.
Gentlewoman: Doctor, just please stay an hour more. This is about time when she sleepwalks.
Doctor: Very well. But, please tell me. You have told me that she speaks during her sleepwalks. What does she speak of?
Gentlemwoman: That, I cannot disclose.
Lady Macbeth rises.
Gentlewoman: There!
Doctor: Your description is stunningly accurate. (watches Lady Macbeth closely) what is she doing?
Gentlewoman: She has been repeating that action for quite a while now. To me, she seems to be washing her hands.
Lady Macbeth mumbles incoherently
Doctor: She is speaking!
Gentlewoman: Listen!
LM: Out damned spot! Out! Oh why can I not erase this blood from my hands. Why does this old man’s blood so stubbornly cling to my hands?
Doctor: Did you hear that?
Gentlewoman: She says it all the time.
LM: Nothing can erase this guilt I have. Nothing. I told Macbeth to kill Duncan- and now he appears in my dreams to haunt my nighttime.
Doctor: She has said what she should have not.
Lady Macbeth lies down.
Doctor: Now does she sleep?
Gentlewoman: yes, she usually ends her sleepwalking in this fashion.
Doctor: I have no way to stop this sleeping disorder. It is the disease of the heart, not of body. She needs a psychologist, not me- even better, she needs God. I will go now. Please thank Mr. Macbeth for letting me stay in this house.
Gentlewoman: It was a pleasure, thank you doctor.
Scene 2.
At Board meeting
Lennox: The investigation on Duncan’s murder has concluded.
Worker: What is the result.
Lennox: The murderer is amongst us. The DNA analysis confirmed that the person who murdered Duncan is Macbeth.
Angus: What a surprise. (sarcastically) Where is he now?
Lennox: He did not show up to work today. He is most likely at his house.
Worker: So what happens when Macbeth is convicted? The will dictated that Macbeth is to own this company. We cannot change that.
Lennox: Malcolm and Macduff are building a case to address it. At any rate, Malcolm will be the new CEO when Macbeth goes to jail. If worst comes to worst, Macbeth will still own this firm- but Malcolm will be the CEO of it.
Angus: So there is no guarantee of what is going to happen.
Lennox: No, none. As we are speaking, the police are getting their arrest warrant from the judge. Macbeth will be apprehended soon. We can only wait and see.
Scene 3.
Macbeth’s house; Macbeth is eating.
Macbeth: Butler, I am sick at the heart.
Butler: Sir, pardon me?
Macbeth: This life has lost its meaning to me. I no longer feel the urge to eat and breathe. There is no purpose. My whole life is at stake right now and I just cannot bear it.
Butler: Sir, do not feel so depressed.
Macbeth: What would you know anyways? …. (woman’s cry)
Macbeth: (cry continues) Someone shut that woman up right now!
Butler: Yes sir.
Butler runs down the hall.
Shortly he re- appear shortly.
Macbeth: What the hell is it?
Butler: Sir…… Lady Macbeth is … dead.
Macbeth: …. Everyone is meant to die sometime. She would have died anyways. Who knows, she may be better off at wherever Duncan is. Maybe I am the fool for staying here in this life.
Scene 4.
Macbeth’s house. Knocking at door.
Macduff: Is Mr. Macbeth inside the house?
Butler: Yes, he is in his office. He specifically stated that he did not want to be interrupted by anything.
Macduff: I will wait for him then. Can I wait out in the living room?
Butler: Certainly.
Macduff sneaks into the corridor. Bursts open the Macbeth’s door.
Macbeth: Macduff….
Macduff: You killed my family. You killed my wife and my children.
Macbeth: Then come at me like a man.
Fight- both struggle; police rushes into the room.
Macbeth takes out a gun, holds it to Macduff’s head.
Police: This is the Birnam Wood Police! Drop your weapon and let go of the man!
Macbeth: Birnam wood….(laughs) so this is what the vision meant.
Take one more step, and I will blow this man’s head off.
Macduff turns around, wrestles for the gun and shoots Macbeth in the stomach.
NB: KEEP IT BRIEF, GANG; OTHERWISE YOU'LL BE FOREVER FILMING! [10-15 MINUTES RECOMMENDED]
(unedited)
Act 1.
Scene 1.
Secretary1: When do we next meet?
Secretary2: when the company is over the scandal-
Secretary1: Where is the next meeting?
Secretary2: At Mr. Macbeth’s office
Secretary 3: We will meet with Mr. Macbeth there.
Secretary1: My husband is calling me, I need to go now
Secretary2 &3: Alright see you guys.
Scene 2.
Malcolm enters the room, with a bang
Mr Duncan: Where is that corporate lawyer we hired?
Malcolm: He is here father. I was at the trial where he spoke. He may have saved the case.
Door knocking
Malcolm: That’s him.
Mr. Duncan: Come in.
Lawyer enters
Mr. Duncan: Mr. Smith, do please tell me that the trial went well.
Lawyer: It was an utter victory sir. Goldman Sachs has been charged with market manipulation. They have already contacted me to come up with an out of court settlement, which will likely be around 3 billion dollars.
Mr. Duncan: Thank god!
Lawyer: That is not all sir, it turned out that Cawdor, the head of marketing department, had been embezzling funds and stealing our client informations. Goldman Sachs testified today that Cawdor was in fact working for their company. Mr. Cawdor will be serving at least two years behind bars.
Mr. Duncan: Cawdor…. I always trusted him. What a treachery. But this is all behind us now and I am glad that you were there to help uncover the truth and deliver justice.
Lawyer: No need to thank me sir, I merely did my job. At any rate, if it had not been for Mr. Macbeth’s testimony, it would have been impossible to win the case.
He stayed loyal to you throughout the whole trial even when we seemed to be losing.
Mr. Duncan: That man has proved himself worthy of being part of our banking firm. Not only is he intelligent, but also virtuous. Lawyer, go tell him that I have assigned his role to Cawdor’s previous position as the head of marketing department.
Lawyer: I shall do that on my way out sir.
Scene 3.
Secretary1: So what is it like being back working for the Bank of America again?
Secretary2: Ha, we barely had a week off.
Secretary1: Our work hour is almost over…. stop sulking. After one more hour, we will be out of here and have the weekend to rest more.
Secretary3: Well, did you hear? Macbeth is being promoted to the head of marketing department.
Secretary2: What a surprise. (sarcastic) Mr. Duncan always liked him.
Secretary1: Anything else we haven’t heard?
Secretary3: Well…..there is more to it.
Secretary2: They don’t keep it from us, come on!
Secretary3: Don’t tell anyone else this, but I was writing a will for Mr. Duncan and he is giving this company to Macbeth upon his death.
Secretary1: What?! But what about his sons?
Secretary2: Shhh, Macbeth and Banquo are coming.
Macbeth: Never have I had such a tiring yet joyous day in my life. Man, my whole day was spent at the court.
Banquo: Hey look, our secretaries are here!
Secretary 1: Hello, Mr. Banquo.
Secretary 2: Hello, Mr. Macbeth, our new head of marketing department
Macbeth: (laughs) What else is new?
Secretary 3: Well, you are going to be the owner of the company when Duncan dies!
Macbeth: (laughs more)
Banquo: What about me huh?
Secretary 1: Sorry sir, we are not fortunetellers.
Macbeth: (Laughs)Alright, you guys can go home early now! Have a great weekend!
Secretary 1&2&3: Yes Mr. Macbeth
Secretaries leave
Macbeth: You know, I am thinking of having a dinner at my place tonight.
Banquo: That is great. Are you inviting Mr. Duncan?
Macbeth: I am thinking of doing it, if he says yes, it would be an honor. Well, can you come?
Banquo: Yeah, sure.
Knocking
Banquo: Hey, isn’t that the lawyer our firm hired?
Macbeth: Yeah it is… COME IN !
Banquo: He looks like he’s got some good news.
Enter Laywer
Macbeth: Mr. Smith, congratulations on winning the case. You are a great lawyer!
Lawyer: (laughs) Mr. Macbeth, without your help, it would have been impossible. I told Mr. Duncan of your testimonies at the court. Without your help, winning this case would have been impossible.
Macbeth: I am part of this company; it is in my interest to help the company. I only did what was expected of me to do.
Lawyer: Well, Mr. Duncan was certainly pleased at hearing this news and wishes to give you thanks. He has also put you in charge of the marketing department.
Macbeth: Jesus Christ! (looks back at Banquo) Those secretaries weren’t joking?
But what about Mr. Cawdor? Did he leave the company.
Lawyer: After you left the court, Goldman-Sachs testified that Mr. Cawdor was working for their company. That man is no longer working for us.
Macbeth: Wow. Thank you very much for bothering to come to tell me this.
Lawyer: It is my pleasure
Macbeth: Uhm…..would you be so kind as to come to our a dinner at my place tonight? My wife and I will hold a party.
Lawyer: Thank you, I will come.
Macbeth: Well then I will see you…in an hour!
Lawyer: Yes, well then, until then, Mr. Macbeth. Oh, and Mr. Banquo, it was very good to see you.
Lawyer leaves
Banquo: Wow, so you are the head of marketing department- what an honor.
Macbeth: Yeah, I still can’t believe it.
Banquo: So the secretaries were not joking after all. Maybe it is true what they have said.
Macbeth: That I will be the owner after Mr. Duncan dies?
Banquo: There was a rumor amongst the secretaries that your name was on the will. But thinking about it, it makes sense now. Mr. Duncan trusts you much- more so than he trusts his sons.
Macbeth: I still cannot believe it. But his son, Malcolm, is the CEO! Why would he give me the whole company?
Banquo: Look, I have no idea. Act like you know nothing about it. Duncan is going to be furious if he finds out- it is all supposed to be secret.
Macbeth: Well, I’ve got to go home quick now and tell my wife of this.
Exit Macbeth
Banquo: Wait, Macbeth…don’t tell her. Jesus…
Exit Banquo
Scene 4.
At Lady Macbeth’s house
LM: (holding a phone) uh huh okay.
LM: (talking to herself) A marketing director - and even maybe an owner… This is great news. But my husband is too soft and loyal to realize the implications of this. It is a chance for our family to own one of the world’s greatest banking firm. We will become a billionaire and exert power over countries. But we must act fast. When Duncan finds that the contents of his will have been divulged, he may change his mind about giving Macbeth the ownership of the bank. I will see to it that Duncan does not change the content of the will.
Door Opens and Macbeth Enters
M: My love, Duncan is coming here, I just confirmed his arrival today. He has also asked if he could stay in our guest suite for tonight.
LM: Oh, the fate is on our side. He will never leave this house.
M: What do you mean?
LM: You know very well what this opportunity means. Baby you are an open book, I can see every thoughts racing in your mind. Just act normal to Duncan. We need him to relax.
M: We shall talk of this later.
Door opens; Duncan & Malcolm & Donalbain & Bodyguards steps in
Duncan: what a delightful house and a truly delightful pair of human beings that live within.
Lady Macbeth rushes in
Lady Macbeth: Mr. Duncan, what an honor it is to have you in my house. Please, come in, the food is almost ready.
Duncan: I am in no hurry. Would it be too much if I asked you if I could stay in your house for tonight? I have much to talk with my esteemed colleagues, and of course, your husband, Macbeth- whom we wish to see right away.
Lady Macbeth: (Leading Duncan) Macbeth has already told me of this, you are welcome to stay in our house through the night. And oh, Mr. Duncan, my husband and Banquo are waiting for you at the living room to your right.
Scene 5.
Macbeth in a room, pensive.
Macbeth: My wife knows the very thoughts I have been dreading to speak about myself. I cannot utter the words, of the fear that it may precipitate violence. If it be true that my name is on the will, then why should I do anything? He is old- he may die soon. Duncan has always treated me with respect and is admired by many for his work ethics. He is honest and wise. His guidance lead our company to where it is; his death will be its downfall. So why should I act rashly?
Lady Macbeth enters
LM: You have been gone for a thirty minutes. I knew you would be here.
Macbeth: Do not speak to me, I have decided already that I will not do it.
LM: You are an ignorant coward. Do you realize what is at stake here? Your future, Our future and the future of our children is at stake here. To own this banking firm is to guarantee our success for posterity. If you do not realize what needs to be done, you are mad. We must kill Duncan tonight to secure that will.
M: It was just a gossip. We cannot know this for sure!
LM: Do not make excuses. You know it is damn well true. Those secretaries know what they saw and they were not joking about it. Christ, Macbeth, do you not see? This is your chance to become something you can never become. Seize this opportunity.
M: What if we fail?
LM: We will not.
M: (Silence, paces about the room) Very well then.
Act 2
Scene 1.
Banquo talking at a hallway
Banquo: Yes, I will be staying over at Macbeth’s house. I know, it wasn’t planned, but Duncan is clearly in the right mood, and I don’t want to leave early. I will see you soon. Can I talk to Fleance or is he sleeping? Alright.
Hey buddy, how was your dinner? Well I won’t be home tonight, Fleance. Daddy is outside with his friends and Mr. Duncan. I will be home tomorrow. Okie, see you big boy.
Hangs up phone
Door opens; Macbeth walks out of room.
Banquo: Hey, Macbeth
M: Hey Banquo, I did not see you there.
Banquo: Sorry, I was just talking with my wife and kid…..So, I was thinking about what secretaries have said…
Macbeth: I don’t think about it anymore. Whatever is on that will is Duncan’s business. But when we do have time, let’s discuss it.
Banquo: Will do then. Good night.
Scene 2.
Macbeth sneaks into Duncan’s room.
Kills Duncan.
LM: I hope the sleeping pill in the guard’s drink was sufficient. Now that I think about it, I should have put more. Oh, my husband…. I hope he returns with the deed done quickly. I am weary that he may have failed. If only Duncan did not look like my father, I would have done it myself.
Macbeth comes in.
Macbeth: (Silent)
LM: Did you do it?
Macbeth: (Nods) Did you see a person from your room?
LM: none, I am sure of it.
Macbeth: Someone was whispering behind me when I came out of Duncan’s room.
LM: What did the person say?
Macbeth: “Macbeth shall sleep no more.”
LM: You are just delusional. What we did was wise. Now, go wash and change into proper clothes. We must prepare for tomorrow.
Scene 3.
Bell Ringing
Doorman: Wait sir, I am on my way. (opens door for Macduff and Lennox)
Macduff: I am here to see Mr. Duncan. I have tried calling them, but it seems to be that they are all asleep.
Doorman: Yes, we all drank much.
Macbeth enters.
Macduff: Macbeth, good morning, I am sorry I could not come to the party. I was busy doing additional work. Is Mr. Duncan still sleeping? I need to see him for some business.
Macbeth: Macduff, this early in the morning? I shall go and wake him.
Lennox: Do not bother with waking him up, we will do it- just tell Macduff where Duncan is sleeping at.
Macbeth: He is sleeping at the room far down the hall at the your right.
Macduff goes down the hall
Macduff: (muffled scream) Jesus Christ!
Lennox: What is the matter?
Macduff: Call the police right now. We have a murder in our hands. Wake up Everyone in the house right now. RIGHT NOW
Scene 4.
Police: When did you find the body?
Macduff: About at 6: 10, sir.
Police: Okay, very well, and where is the man who called the police?
Macbeth: I am the one.
Police: Where are those two men you said were found with a knife in their hands in front of the victim’s bedroom?
Macbeth: They are in the bedroom chamber- they seemed to be in a deep sleep.
Police: Very well, now please leave the area. A homicide squad is arriving soon and they need everyone to clear the area.
Lady Macbeth Rushes in
LM: what is going on? I heard noises and somebody said that Duncan has died…?Macbeth!
Macbeth: Honey, do not worry,
LM: is it true what they have said?
Macbeth: Yes, Duncan has been killed by someone.
LM: (faints)
Macbeth: Lennox, get somebody to look after her.
Lennox: Do not worry, I will take her to hospital.
Macbeth: Wait, let me go with you.
Everyone leaves but Malcolm and Donalbain.
Malcolm: There is a foul play here. Our father was murdered with a clear purpose in mind. Donalbain, we must get out of this place. Amongst these sobbing people is the killer.
Donalbain: You are right. I will go to Vancouver to my Uncle’s.
Malcolm: I have an acquaintance in London who can help with the criminal investigation; I must first visit there.
Donalbain: Let us go now.
Act 3
Scene 1.
At Banquo’s office
Banquo: You have it all now- you are the owner of the Bank of America. The will was found, and the contents were exactly as the secretaries have gossiped of. Macbeth, I feel that you have played foul to achieve this goal of yours.
Macbeth enters
Macbeth: Banquo, are you coming to the party tonight?
Banquo: (laughing politely) I will try. My son and I will be out to fishing. You know, it being a weekend and everything. I haven’t spend much time with my son lately. But I will try to be here. (laughing) congratulations again on being the new owner.
Macbeth: (laughs) Thank you, by the way, where are you fishing to?
Banquo: At the Lake Evans.
Macbeth: Well, that is a certainly a nice place. Have a great time.
Banquo: Thank you.
Attendant comes behind Macbeth
Attendant: Sir, there are men wanting to see you.
Macbeth: Who?
Attendant: ….Mr…..Kimball and Mr. Harris.
Macbeth: Very well, bring them into my office.
Macbeth enters his office and sits down; He takes out some pills- drinks them with water;
Door opens second later.
Macbeth: Please, sit down.
First Murderer: You wanted to see us today Mr. Macbeth?
Macbeth: Have you considered the deal I proposed last time we met?
Second Murderer: Well...
Silence- as two murderers discuss the deal.
Macbeth: Are you a man? Are you so weak that you cannot even take your chance at life? I am in need of your service. Banquo’s testimony at the trial of Duncan’s murder can prove too much. For there are too many evidences against my side already, we cannot afford to let this happen. As I have said, as this is valuable to me, you must kill Banquo. I have a million dollars in cash ready inside that briefcase right there. It is your decision.
Second Murderer: We will do it.
Macbeth: Very well. These are his pictures- and he is going fishing with his son somewhere around here (points at a printed map).
First Murderer: What do we do with the son?
Macbeth: There is to be no witnesses. Dispatch them both.
First Murderer: (nods)
Macbeth: Are there any questions? (stands up) I will expect the job to be done properly. There is no room for failure here.
Scene 2.
LM: Is Banquo gone?
Macbeth: Yes, he is gone. But he will return for tonight’s dinner, I presume. (sigh and moan)
LM: Honey, are you alright? You don’t seem to be sleeping much these days?
M: It’s just…my work.
LM: No, I know it is not that…how is the court case going?
M: I should have known. When we killed Duncan- that was the beginning. We have just merely scorched the snake, not killed it. Duncan laughs at me from his grave. There is no end to this until the trial is over and I am acquitted. Until then, I can feel no pleasure at current situation. (silence)
Banquo……banquo…. He worries me. He is a significant threat to our plan. When he testifies, he can prove to the court that I had prior knowledge of the will’s content. This would make me look guilty. We cannot allow him to speak.
LM: What will you do about it?
Macbeth: I don’t know.
Scene 3.
2nd Murderer: That seems to be him (pointing at Banquo)
Man comes behind them. (3rd murderer)
3rd Murderer: Your client was worried that two people were insufficient for the job.
2nd Murderer: (points a gun at him) You getting our share of money?
1st Murderer: shut the hell up, if he is with us, and then we can discuss that later. Banquo is moving out.
Banquo: It’s getting rather dark so soon.
Fleance: Dad, I think we should go now.
Banquo: Okay, you are right buddy, lets go home.
Gunshot rings.
Banquo: Run Fleance, Run!
Banquo dies, Fleance escapes.
Scene 4
Party. People are eating
Macbeth: Ladies and Gentleman, as your new owner of this esteemed bank firm, I am pleased to host the 85th annual Bank of America Banquet. Before the festivities, I would like to have a moment of silence to honor the late Mr. Duncan, whom we very much miss. (silence) Tonight, we are also sad to say that our new vice-president, Mr. Banquo, is not present. Ladies and gentlemen, let us toast to the well being of this company.
All toast
Third Murderer enters and Macbeth approaches him
Macbeth: Is the deed done? (while walking)
3rd Murderer: We shot thirty rounds into Banquo. He is dead.
Macbeth: What of the other hitmen? Have you dealt with them as well?
3rd Murderer: I have killed them as well. Rest assured, they will never speak. All of their bodies are dissolving in acid.
Macbeth: Good, last thing I needed would be to have to appear in court just because those fools couldn’t keep their mouth shut.
Enters a room, closes door behind.
Macbeth: Good…good, you are the best of the best. I forgot…. What of Fleance, his son? Is he dealt with?
3rd Murderer: He has escaped. It was too dark to track him properly. Sir, it is likely that he is dead…do not worry
Macbeth: God DAMN IT. This is what I have been fearing all this time. There are always loose ends. He is too important to let go. Why did you fail? Can’t you even shoot a damn nine year old in the head?
3rd Murderer: It was dark sir, and the kid was smaller and faster than we thought. Macbeth: (breathing heavily) No matter. He is a kid. There is no way he could survive tonight by himself in a forest. Well done then. Go, we shall speak later.
3rd Murderer exits; Enter Lady Macbeth
LM: Who was that?
Macbeth: Nobody important, some minor client we have. Why did you come here? I told you to keep out of my business.
LM: They are all waiting for you. You are the owner of the bank, so act like one. We should go now.
Macbeth: Okay, let’s go to the party then.
Macbeth and LM walks back. They enter the room.
Lawyer: Mr. Macbeth, congratulations. I remember last time we met, you have been promoted to director of marketing department- and now, you are the owner.
Macbeth: (laughs nervously) I had no idea you would be coming. Are you still hired by our company?
Lawyer: Yes, actually, I have been hired again to assist in the private investigation of Mr. Duncan’s murder. Mr. Duncan’s son has hired several investigators from London whom I have met just today.
Macbeth: That is….wonderful.
Lawyer: Would you care to sit down here? I would love to talk more.
Macbeth: (looks at the ghost of Banquo) The seat is occupied.
Lawyer: Mr. Macbeth, it is empty. Are you okay?
Banquo turns around
Macbeth: Which one of you has done this to me. Christ! Get that thing out of here!
Lawyer: Mr. Macbeth is unwell, someone, escort him to hospital. He seems to be hallucinating.
Macbeth: No, it can’t be. It is not real. It cannot be real.
LM: Everyone, please do sit down and enjoy the meal- my husband suffers such mental breakdowns quite frequently. It is all normal.
Macbeth: He is gone.
LM: You fool, he was merely a figment of your imagination. He was never there.
Macbeth: No. There he is again. There is blood dripping all over the floor. How can you all not see this happening! No get away from me!
Lawyer: Hey you, escort Mr. Macbeth to hospital right now. Mrs. Macbeth, he seems to be having a severe breakdown. You have said that it is normal for him to do this, but he is having a seizure. He needs medical attention now!
LM: I will go with him.
Scene 5.
At bed, Macbeth lies, and LM is smoothing his hair
Macbeth: What happened?
LM: Honey, why were you overdosing on my stress pills?
Macbeth: What?
LM: You were hallucinating and convulsing during the banquet. At the hospital, the doctors had to pump out the pills. They said you were malnourished and severely deprived of sleep. Honey, what is happening?
Macbeth: Its…me. It’s the company. It’s the world I live in. Nothing feels real anymore. All this- this house, this job and this life- it’s fake. If the investigation proves that I committed the murder, everything- this position and this life I have, will be demolished.
LM:We have a good lawyer. Don’t worry. They cannot prove anything.
Macbeth: Malcolm and Donalbain have already hired a whole troupe of investigators ready to blame the whole murder on me. How can you possibly say that.
LM: …..
Macbeth: Macduff did not show up at today’s banquet. From what I have gathered, Macduff is openly accusing me of the murder.
LM: What are you going to do about it?
Macbeth: Blood will have blood.
LM: What?
Macbeth: Never mind, let’s sleep now.
Scene 6.
Office setting
Lennox: So… have you seen the most recent investigative report on Duncan’s death? The blood test on the guards have found triple dose of sleeping pills. On top of that, they had quite a lot of alcohol in their system.
Worker: Yeah, and somehow Macbeth is still insisting that they were the culprits.
Lennox: (snickers) Macbeth erupted in rage today when I suggested during the break that it may have been someone else who murdered Duncan. My collegue, Brandon, when he suggested the same thing, Macbeth fired him at spot.
Worker: You think that’s the worst thing Macbeth did recently? The bank stocks dropped two percent since he became the owner. He has no administrative knowledge.
Lennox: We really need Malcolm to come and set things right.
Act 4
Scene 1.
Macbeth is in his office. He takes four pills and downs it with water. He squeezes his temples.
Secretary: Are you okay Mr. Macbeth?
Macbeth: Get the hell out of the room.
Secretary: …Yes, Mr. Macbeth.
Secretary leaves. Macbeth starts hallucinating.
First apparition: (whispering) Macbeth, Macbeth- beware of the Financing Director- Macduff. Beware him.
Second apparition: Be bold and strong for none of woman born shall get in your harms way.
Third apparition: Macbeth, do not fear- until the Birnam Wood comes to your house.
Macbeth: Christ, what happened?
Door opens, Lennox enters
Lennox: I heard the screams, Macbeth, are you alright?
Macbeth: ….Yes…
Lennox: Anyhow, did you hear? Macduff has gone to England to visit Malcolm.
Macbeth: What for?
Lennox: He appearantly has some great evidence which points to the real culprit of the Duncan’s murder and wishes to show it to Malcolm in person. That is what he said, at least.
Macbeth: That sonuvabitch. He has not shown up to work for two weeks.
Lennox: Are you going to fire him?
Macbeth: No, I am not going to fire him. I am going to make him regret.
Scene 2.
Lady Macduff’s house. She is on a phone.
Lady Macduff: So he went to England. Why did he do this?
Lawyer: He believes that there is great evidence that may aid in the ongoing investigation of Mr. Duncan’s death and wants to deliver it himself to Malcolm. But regretfully, this is sort of negligence to work that our company cannot condone. I called to tell you that Mr. Macbeth has fired Mr. Macduff from his position. I hope you can deliver this message to him.
Lady Macduff: Thank you very much.
Son: Who is it mom?
LMacduff: It was just your father’s friend.
Son: Why did he call you?
LMacduff: You father has been fired from his job. He seems to no longer care about his actions. Missing from work for two weeks? What was he doing all time?
Son: Dad’s a good guy.
LMacduff: Well, I am not sure of that anymore.
Harsh knocking on door.
Son: Someone is knocking!
LMacduff: I am coming.
Opens the door. 3rd Murderer shows up.
Gunshot rings.
Scene 3.
At Malcolm’s house
Malcolm: How is the company faring?
Macduff: Have you not heard yourself? It is absolutely miserable. People are being fired as if they were nothing. Everything your father did to improve the company is being torn down. Our stock has dropped two percent in two weeks.
Malcolm: I have heard. I just wanted to know your view on things. Why did you come to me personally?
Macduff: It concerns the recent evidences that the investigation uncovered. Macbeth is the murderer.
Malcolm: I know. I have received the evidence via email. My question is, why did you travel all the way to London?
Macduff: I cannot bear being in the same building as the very man who murdered Duncan in cold blood. Duncan was so gracious and generous towards him and Macbeth repaid by killing him. But I am here for something more; when Macbeth is convicted, he will no longer be suitable to run the company. You will be the CEO and the owner.
Malcolm: I don’t think I am ready for the position. Although I was a vice-president before, I am absolutely unqualified- even more than Macbeth.
Macduff: That is impossible. You are not a murderer; it is impossible to be worse than Macbeth.
Malcolm: I have a lousy personal life, Macduff. I am not married because I cannot be faithful to one woman. I lust after women all day long.
Macduff: That is not a problem. Lusting for women is something every men do.
Malcolm: (standing up) I don’t think you understand. I cannot run the company.
Macduff: If you cannot, then no one can.
Malcolm: Macduff, the loyal passion with which you support me give me faith. I was merely testing you. I know I am fully qualified to run the company and I must do so as soon as possible to stop Macbeth from driving my father’s company into the ground.
Macduff’s phone rings
Macduff: (talking on phone) Who is this? Lennox? What? What news? If it concerns me, then spit it out. I have no time.
No, No, No…… My wife? My…children too? How is this possible? What…. All of them? No…No….(drops phone)
Malcolm: (puts arm around Macduff) What is it? (picks up phone) Lennox? What has happened? No… okay, I will talk to you later. (hangs up) I am extremely sorry for your loss.
Macduff: It is Macbeth.
Malcolm: You cannot be sure of that.
Macduff: Who else can it be? I left him with the potential evidences that can destroy his life. He is threatening me. Well, he made a wrong move. I will kill that man.
Act 5
At Lady Macbeth’s room
Doctor: I have watched her for two nights. I don’t think she is suffering any sleeping disorder. Although she does take irregular dose of medications, it does not seem to be affecting her very much.
Gentlewoman: Doctor, just please stay an hour more. This is about time when she sleepwalks.
Doctor: Very well. But, please tell me. You have told me that she speaks during her sleepwalks. What does she speak of?
Gentlemwoman: That, I cannot disclose.
Lady Macbeth rises.
Gentlewoman: There!
Doctor: Your description is stunningly accurate. (watches Lady Macbeth closely) what is she doing?
Gentlewoman: She has been repeating that action for quite a while now. To me, she seems to be washing her hands.
Lady Macbeth mumbles incoherently
Doctor: She is speaking!
Gentlewoman: Listen!
LM: Out damned spot! Out! Oh why can I not erase this blood from my hands. Why does this old man’s blood so stubbornly cling to my hands?
Doctor: Did you hear that?
Gentlewoman: She says it all the time.
LM: Nothing can erase this guilt I have. Nothing. I told Macbeth to kill Duncan- and now he appears in my dreams to haunt my nighttime.
Doctor: She has said what she should have not.
Lady Macbeth lies down.
Doctor: Now does she sleep?
Gentlewoman: yes, she usually ends her sleepwalking in this fashion.
Doctor: I have no way to stop this sleeping disorder. It is the disease of the heart, not of body. She needs a psychologist, not me- even better, she needs God. I will go now. Please thank Mr. Macbeth for letting me stay in this house.
Gentlewoman: It was a pleasure, thank you doctor.
Scene 2.
At Board meeting
Lennox: The investigation on Duncan’s murder has concluded.
Worker: What is the result.
Lennox: The murderer is amongst us. The DNA analysis confirmed that the person who murdered Duncan is Macbeth.
Angus: What a surprise. (sarcastically) Where is he now?
Lennox: He did not show up to work today. He is most likely at his house.
Worker: So what happens when Macbeth is convicted? The will dictated that Macbeth is to own this company. We cannot change that.
Lennox: Malcolm and Macduff are building a case to address it. At any rate, Malcolm will be the new CEO when Macbeth goes to jail. If worst comes to worst, Macbeth will still own this firm- but Malcolm will be the CEO of it.
Angus: So there is no guarantee of what is going to happen.
Lennox: No, none. As we are speaking, the police are getting their arrest warrant from the judge. Macbeth will be apprehended soon. We can only wait and see.
Scene 3.
Macbeth’s house; Macbeth is eating.
Macbeth: Butler, I am sick at the heart.
Butler: Sir, pardon me?
Macbeth: This life has lost its meaning to me. I no longer feel the urge to eat and breathe. There is no purpose. My whole life is at stake right now and I just cannot bear it.
Butler: Sir, do not feel so depressed.
Macbeth: What would you know anyways? …. (woman’s cry)
Macbeth: (cry continues) Someone shut that woman up right now!
Butler: Yes sir.
Butler runs down the hall.
Shortly he re- appear shortly.
Macbeth: What the hell is it?
Butler: Sir…… Lady Macbeth is … dead.
Macbeth: …. Everyone is meant to die sometime. She would have died anyways. Who knows, she may be better off at wherever Duncan is. Maybe I am the fool for staying here in this life.
Scene 4.
Macbeth’s house. Knocking at door.
Macduff: Is Mr. Macbeth inside the house?
Butler: Yes, he is in his office. He specifically stated that he did not want to be interrupted by anything.
Macduff: I will wait for him then. Can I wait out in the living room?
Butler: Certainly.
Macduff sneaks into the corridor. Bursts open the Macbeth’s door.
Macbeth: Macduff….
Macduff: You killed my family. You killed my wife and my children.
Macbeth: Then come at me like a man.
Fight- both struggle; police rushes into the room.
Macbeth takes out a gun, holds it to Macduff’s head.
Police: This is the Birnam Wood Police! Drop your weapon and let go of the man!
Macbeth: Birnam wood….(laughs) so this is what the vision meant.
Take one more step, and I will blow this man’s head off.
Macduff turns around, wrestles for the gun and shoots Macbeth in the stomach.
Macbeth: You…. (tries to reach for Macduff)
Police shoots Macbeth. He dies.